U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams announces in Estes Park town hall

By David Persons

Trail-Gazette

Posted:
08/25/2014 10:52:45 AM MDT

A federal government official announced today that a total of $545,000 in grants has been authorized to boost economic development and resiliency in two Colorado communities.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams said that $300,000 is being made available to Estes Park and $245,000 to Montrose.

"The Obama administration is committed to helping communities impacted by natural disasters and major economic challenges respond and recover," said Williams in a prepared statement prior to the press conference announcements at Estes Park Town Hall. "The EDA grants announced today for Colorado will help develop strategies to make the Town of Estes Park and the Central Western region more resilient to save businesses and jobs in the event of future economic challenges."

The EDA investments announced today:

> A $300,000 grant to Estes Park to conduct a regional economic diversification and industry cluster job retention and recovery strategy in the wake of the federally-declared flood disaster - and other natural disasters - that continue to impact the economy of the area. Estes Park suffered a devastating flood last September.

This grant will allow the Estes Park region to develop an effective strategy for greater job diversification and economic resiliency. One key component of this grant will be developing a specific plan to make use of Estes Park's existing fiber optic ring to deliver improved broadband services to the town and region. The strategy is expected to establish a collaborative action plan in response to the economic damage from these events by providing critical economic recovery services to the Estes Valley to boost business development and job growth in the Northern Colorado region.

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A $245,000 grant to the Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning of Montrose to create a strategy that will help to improve and enhance the economic resiliency and sustainability of Delta and Gunnison counties following the recent closure of Oxbow Elk Creek coal mine. The mine closure is a regional economic emergency that is creating dire consequences for the affected counties. The adjustment strategy will provide an in-depth, data driven analysis that will prioritize action aimed at creating a more robust and diverse economy.

"This is just a start on the path to your local economic recovery and resiliency," Williams added.

Local officials were quick to praise the importance of the grants to the respective communities.

"Using our existing fiber optic ring, this grant will help us develop a plan for regional broadband expansion," said Estes Park Mayor Bill Pinkham. "That is a key component of improving and sustaining our local economy."

"It's great to have a federal agency that understands that everything starts at a local level," said Jon Nicholas, the President/CEO of the Estes Park Economic Development Corporation.

Nicholas added that the grant might eventually help Estes Park's economy look more like it's neighbors and not so tourism-based. Nicholas also said that the money will not be used for any local economic development corporation salaries or operational costs.

"It's a wonderful day," said Estes Park Mayor Pro-Tem Wendy Koenig. "It even made the sun come out (noting that the early morning rain had subsided). "This is the result of a lot of hard work by the EDC. I'm thrilled."

Visit Estes Park CEO Elizabeth Fogarty called the announced "incredible."

"This might put us where we can achieve all the goals of the EDC," Fogarty said.

Jim Pickering, who serves on the EDC board said the grant was "critical" for the economic recovery and resiliency of Estes Park.

"This gives us a sense of where to go and how to get there," he said.

Estes Park Trustee Ron Norris said the grant will allow the town to use professional consultations "who can get us to places a lot faster" when it comes to dealing with the complexities of fiber optics.

Representatives from the Montrose area were equally grateful.

"Region 10 LEAP is pleased to work with EDA on this important project to better understand our economy and work to improve the economic outlook of our rural communities," Region 10 Executive Director Michelle Haynes said said in a prepared statement. "We are appreciative of this opportunity provided by EDA, grateful to Senator Udall's office for identifying the need to EDA, and thankful to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) as well as to Delta and Gunnison counties, who provided matching funds to make the grant possible."

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.